New Zealand education system
A simple guide to education and schools in the Whangārei District.
The education system in New Zealand is largely paid for by central government. Our schools provide academic, cultural and skill-based learning and technology is an integral component in the classroom.
All children and students are encouraged to participate in sporting activities and our schools have excellent facilities, including comfortable green spaces, well stocked libraries, gymnasiums. Some have swimming pools.
School holidays
The school year runs from January to December and is divided into four terms.
The longest break happens over summer, beginning in December with school restarting in February.
School ages
All children must be enrolled in school by the time they are 6 years old, although most start soon after their 5th birthday.
Primary Schools cater for children from Year 1 up to Year 6, with most children attending an Intermediate School for Years 7 and 8. Rural schools can have classes that teach from primary to secondary students.
All Primary and Intermediate Schools are co-educational i.e. teaching both girls and boys. Secondary schools cater for children from Year 9 to Year 13. Students may then attend university or other tertiary establishments.
State Schools are funded by the Government however some private or State Integrated schools are partially or completely privately funded, and may have religious affiliations.
To find out more about education, see below.